Naruhito (51)
I became able to move on my own. The bandages were removed from my head, but since my shaved hair hadn't grown back much yet, I wore a red knit hat and ventured out of the room.
I sat down on the stairs halfway and couldn't move any further. I meant to take a short break. Going down the stairs is harder and more tiring than going up. And this house is too big—it's inconvenient.
I absentmindedly watched the people working. Everyone moved without making a sound, with no wasted movements. Both men and women were surely martial arts experts—strong people all around. They were diligently cleaning, like those who work as guards, soldiers, or security… It seems fun though.
The guard who had been following me from the front of the room seemed hesitant to speak to me. What should I do?
"Do you need help?"
Before I knew it, someone was beside me. Sure, I was tired and absentminded, but I didn't notice them coming this close.
"Strong."
I said that and stared at him.
Ah.
He’s the person who blew away the loud woman's escort when I returned to this house. He’s fast, but also because he has no presence, he can strike without me noticing. He returned to his original position as if nothing happened.
I think he’ssuited for assassination.
"Strong, you say… me?"
"Yeah. You're strong."
"... Thank you very much. My name is Murashige Ichinose. Sir Naruhito, do you need any help?"
"Yeah."
Murashige smiled a little happily.
"Thank you for saying it so straightforwardly. Please call me Grandpa."
"Grandpa?"
Isn't that complicated since it's similar to Gramps?
And I think he's younger than Gramps.
"Yes."
Grandpa responded happily and easily lifted me in a sideways hug. I appreciated it and leaned on him.
"Where to?"
He asked with a cool face while walking down the stairs.
"To Sai’s place."
"Certainly.”
"Am I not heavy?"
"You are so light, it’s making me worried. Perhaps you could grow bigger, so Grandpa doesn’t get worried too much, what do you say?”
Hmm.
I've been trying to eat hard lately.
I want to eat a lot like Rikimaru.
"Will you be here all the time?"
"Yes?"
"Are you waiting for me to grow bigger?"
It will take time to grow big right away, but is that okay?
Grandpa had been making a kind smile, but he suddenly looked surprised when he looked at me and smiled happily.
"I'm sure you'll grow bigger before this old man passes away."
In that case, it should be fine.
What do you think about this chapter?
